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Chemistry / Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry is known nationally for its excellent program. In a study
of chemistry programs at private four-year colleges published in the Journal of Chemical Education, the Hope College Department of Chemistry was recognized as outstanding in the productivity
of its research program and for the accomplishments of its graduates. The chemistry
program is approved by the American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training.

The program provides students with a rigorous introduction to the fields of chemistry
and biochemistry in a setting that emphasizes knowledge of current developments in
chemistry and experience with modern instruments and laboratory techniques. The chemistry
faculty maintains a keen interest in students' professional involvement and scholarly
development. The department has an active seminar program which brings students into
contact with nationally recognized authorities in chemistry and chemistry-related
fields.

The chemistry program places a strong emphasis on faculty-student research. Chemistry
majors are encouraged to begin work with a professor on a research project early in
their academic program. Research stipends are available to enable many students to
work full-time on their projects during the summer. Student research is directed toward
professional development and may result in joint authorship of scientific publications
and in the opportunity to present research results at a regional or national scientific
meeting.

Majors

The chemistry major includes sequences of both lecture and laboratory courses designed
to establish a fundamental understanding of the major areas of the discipline. Students
can elect to complete a chemistry major for a B.A. degree or a more extensive major
for a B.S. degree. Students planning to do graduate work in the field or to enter
industry should fulfill the requirements of the American Chemical Society's (ACS)
Certified Major Program. An ACS-certified B.S. Degree Program in Chemistry with Biochemistry
Emphasis is available for students who have interests in chemistry and biology. A
B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is offered jointly by the departments
of Chemistry and Biology, and is available for those students who seek a degree at
the interface of these two disciplines. A complete description of the Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology B.S. degree requirements can be seen here. Students who intend to enter medical or dental schools or plan a career in secondary
education may design their major program according to their specific goals. Since
students planning a chemistry major have a number of options, it is essential that
they discuss their plans with the chairperson of the department or a chemistry advisor
early in their academic program.

ACS Certified Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry

Hope College is approved by the American Chemical Society to offer an ACS-Certified
B.S. degree in chemistry if the following requirements are met in addition to the
32 credits of chemistry listed in the B.S. degree requirements:

CHEM 311 – Biochemistry I

CHEM 324 – Inorganic Lab

A student must also take at least two other advanced lecture courses. At least one
must be from:

CHEM 314 – Biochemistry II

CHEM 421 – Structure, Dynamics, Synth I

CHEM 422 – Structure, Dynamics, Synth II

The second can be from the previous courses or from:

CHEM 335 – Neurochemistry

GES 430 – Adv. Environmental Geochemistry

In addition to the lecture courses, an ACS-certified major requires that a student
have 400 contact hours of laboratory experience beyond General Chemistry. Laboratory
coursework must include analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry lab.
Research experience may count for up to 84 hours if a student prepares a well-written,
comprehensive and well-documented research report.

Hope College also offers an ACS-certified B.S. degree with biochemistry option if
the following requirements are met in addition to the regular BS degree requirements
listed above (with the exception that Physical Chemistry II lecture and lab are not
required):

CHEM 311 – Biochemistry I

CHEM 314 – Biochemistry II

CHEM 315 – Biochemistry Lab

Three credits of advanced biology, from among BIOL 335 (Neurochem), BIOL 348 (Cell
Biology), BIOL 356 (Genetics) or BIOL 366 (Molecular Biology); these advanced biology
courses have a prerequisite of the core courses in biology.

A student must also take at least one additional advanced lecture courses from the
list below (CHEM 335 can only be counted once, either for advanced biology or for
advanced chemistry).

CHEM 335 – Neurochemistry

CHEM 344 – Physical Chemistry II

CHEM 421 – Structure, Dynamics, Synth I

CHEM 422 – Structure, Dynamics, Synth II

In addition to the lecture courses, an ACS-certified major requires that a student
have 400 contact hours of laboratory experience beyond General Chemistry. Laboratory
coursework must include analytical, biochemistry, organic and physical chemistry lab.
Research experience may count for up to 84 hours if a student prepares a well-written,
comprehensive and well-documented research report.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

The B.S. degree in biochemistry and molecular biology requires completion of selected
chemistry and biology courses. The details of this degree can be found here.

Courses 101, 103 and 104 are designed primarily for students not majoring in one
of the sciences.

Chemistry

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

The minimum requirements for a chemistry major are twenty-five (25) credits of science
major chemistry courses, two semesters of physics with laboratory and Calculus I (MATH
131, or MATH 125 and MATH 126) and II (MATH 132).

While calculus-based General Physics 121, 141, 122 and 142 are recommended for the
B.A. degree and are required for the B.S. degree, students seeking the B.A. degree
may wish to consult their academic advisor to discuss if College Physics 105, 106,
107 and 108 are appropriate for their program of study.

The chemistry courses must include: CHEM 125, 126 (or 131), 221, 231; six credits
of laboratory courses (e.g., CHEM 127, 128 (or 132), 255 and 256A and 256B; CHEM 315,
324, 332, 335, 345 or other laboratory courses may be included in these 6 credits;
and two courses selected from CHEM 311, 322, 331 and 332 or 343. (CHEM 331 and 332
must be taken together and are considered one course.) A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required
for the science-major chemistry courses.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

The B.S. degree in chemistry requires 36 credits of science major chemistry courses
and a total of 60 credits in the natural sciences. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required
for all science- major chemistry courses in the degree. The B.S. degree must include
the 32 credits of chemistry, 8 credits of physics and 8 credits of mathematics that
are listed below.

CHEM 125 – General Chem I, 3 credits

CHEM 127 – Gen Chem Lab I, 1 credit

CHEM 126 – General Chem II, 3 credits

CHEM 128 – Gen Chem Lab II , 1 credit

CHEM 221 – Organic Chem I , 3 credits

CHEM 255 – Org Chem Lab I, 2 credits

CHEM 231 – Organic Chem II, 3 credits

CHEM 256A – Org Chem Lab II, 1 credit

CHEM 322 – Inorganic Chem, 3 credits

CHEM 331 – Analytical Chem, 3 credits

CHEM 332 – Analytical Chem Lab, 1 credit

CHEM 343 – Physical Chem I, 3 credits

CHEM 345 – Phys Chem Lab I, 1 credit

CHEM 344 – Physical Chem II, 3 credits

CHEM 346 – Phys Chem Lab II, 1 credit

PHYS 121 – Gen Phys I

PHYS 141 – Phys Lab I

PHYS 122 – Gen Phys II

PHYS 142 – Phys Lab II

MATH 131 – Calc I (or Math 125 and Math 126)

MATH 132 – Calc II

Strongly Recommended Courses:

MATH 231 – Multivariable Math IMATH 232 – Multivariable Math II

Alternatively, CHEM 131 and 132, Accelerated General Chemistry and Accelerated General
Chemistry Laboratory, may be substituted for the two-semester general chemistry sequence
of CHEM 125 and 127, plus CHEM 126 and 128. Since the material covered in this accelerated
one-semester general chemistry course is the same as the material covered in the two-semester
sequence, credit for CHEM125 and 127 will be awarded upon successful completion of
CHEM 131 and 132.

In addition to the courses listed above, a student must complete four other credits
of 200-, 300- or 400- level lecture or laboratory courses for a total of 36 credits.
Suggested courses are listed below:

CHEM 256B – Organic Chemistry Lab II, 1 credit

CHEM 347 – Chemical Modeling Lab, 1 credit

CHEM 311 – Biochemistry I, 3 credits

CHEM 348 – Advanced Spectroscopy Lab, 1 credit

CHEM 314 – Biochemistry II, 3 credits

CHEM 421 – Struct. Dynam. & Syn. I, 3 credits

CHEM 315 – Biochem Lab, 1 credits

CHEM 422 – Struct. Dynam. & Syn. II, 3 credits

CHEM 324 – Inorganic Lab, 1 credit

CHEM 490 – Research, 1-2 credits

CHEM 335 – Neurochemistry, 4 credits

For students planning to go to graduate school in chemistry, it is essential to take
MATH 231 and 232. Depending on the student’s background in mathematics, General Physics
121 may be taken in the freshman year or taken no later than the second semester of
the sophomore year. College Physics 105, 106, 107, and 108 do not satisfy requirements
for the B.S. degree.

Pre-medical, pre-dental and pre-veterinary students are advised to take the following
courses in chemistry: 125, 127, 126, 128 (or 131, 132), 221, 231, 255, 256A, 311,
314 and 315. These students should consult with the Health Professions Advisor as
early as possible to insure that their chemistry major meets the specific requirement
of their intended profession. Suggested courses to prepare for medical school are
in the Pre-Professional Programs section.

Students interested in chemical engineering should consult with the chairperson of
the Chemistry Department and an engineering advisor early in their undergraduate program.

Students who are interested in combined science fields, special programs or contract
curriculums should consult with the appropriate chairpersons as early as possible
to learn of opportunities, prospects and requirements.

Chemistry Education

In partnership with the Hope College Department of Education, the Department of Chemistry offers a teaching major for certification through the
State of Michigan. This includes a 30-credit major.

The chemistry major must consist of all the courses required for the B.A. degree (including
the mathematics and physics courses) and additional upper-level courses to meet the
30-credit requirement.

All education students must take a methods course in their major and minor areas of
study.

In partnership with the Hope College Department of Education, the Department of Chemistry offers a teaching minor for certification through the
State of Michigan. This includes a 21-credit minor in chemistry.

All education students must take a methods course in their major and minor areas of
study.

Chemistry

101. Introduction to Chemistry — This course presents selected chemical concepts at an introductory level for students
who are not majoring in one of the sciences. Topics include atomic, ionic and molecular
properties, bonding, balanced equations, acids and bases, solutions, simple organic
structures, polymers, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory activities support concepts
presented in lecture. Lecture, 3 hours per week; laboratory, one 3-hour session per
week. Gems 100, Math 205, or any calculus or statistics course is highly recommended
prior to enrollment in or concurrently with this course. Cross-listed as Gems 160.4 Credits | Spring | Natural Science I with lab (NSL)

103. Introduction to Biological Chemistry — This course will equip students with analytic and conceptual skills in general, organic,
and biological chemistry as they relate to human health and health care. It is particularly
focused on the basic chemistry needed by students seeking to enter professional programs
in nursing and in a few allied health fields. This course is also suitable for the
non-science major student as partial fulfillment of the mathematics and natural science
general education requirement. This course does not count toward a major in biochemistry/molecular
biology, biology, or chemistry. Lecture, 3 hours per week; laboratory, one 3-hour
session per week. CHEM 101 or GEMS 160 or one year of high school chemistry, with
lab, is highly recommended prior to this course.4 Credits | Spring | Natural Science I with lab (NSL)

104. Matter and Energy — Matter and Energy is one of a two-semester sequence of courses. The combined courses
("Matter and Energy" and "Organisms and Environments") will satisfy the natural science
laboratory general education requirements only for elementary education teacher candidates.
The courses will also cover the content that is important for the future educators
in an integrated inquiry-based format. The content in this recommended course sequence
will flow from the physical science to earth/space science to life science topics
that students will find themselves teaching in the future. This course will primarily
include content from physical science and earth/space science, though due to the interdisciplinary
nature of many of the topics, life science will also be addressed where appropriate.
CHEM 104 is intended for students seeking teacher certification. These students will
have enrollment priority for this class.4 Credits | Fall, Spring | Natural Science I with lab (NSL)

125. General Chemistry I — This is the first course in a two-semester sequence of introductory chemistry that
is for all students who wish to major in science and who do not have a thorough high-school
preparation in chemistry. The material is supplemented by reviewing high school chemistry
as needed, and topics are taught at a slower pace than in Chem 131. Topics include
stoichiometry, states of matter, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding,
and geometry of molecules. Lecture, 3 hours per week; discussion, 1 hour per week. Corequisites: Chem 1273 Credits | Fall | Natural Science I with lab (NSL)

126. General Chemistry II — This is the second in a two-semester sequence of introductory chemistry that is for
all students who wish to major in science and who do not have a thorough high-school
preparation in chemistry. Topics include chemical energy, equilibria, kinetics, acids
and bases, and chemical reaction types. Lecture, 3 hours per week; discussion session,
1 hour per week. Prerequisites: Chem 125 with a grade of C- or better Corequisites: Chem 1283 Credits | Spring | Natural Science I with lab (NSL)

131. Accelerated General Chemistry — This one-semester course covers all the general chemistry material normally covered
in Chem 125 and 126. This will include stoichiometry and inorganic reactions, periodicity
and atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular structure, chemical energy and
thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, acids and bases and ionic equilibria. This course
is designed for entering students that have a strong high-school chemistry background
and good algebra skills. Upon successful completion of this course, credit will be
awarded for Chem 125 as well. Lecture, 3 hours per week; discussion session, 1 hour
per week. Two years of high school chemistry and ACT math score of 30+ (or SAT math
score 670+) highly recommended. Corequisites: Chem 1323 Credits | Fall | Natural Science I with lab (NSL)

132. Accelerated General Chemistry Lab — This one-semester course covers all the general chemistry material normally covered
in Chem 127 and 128. This will include qualitative analysis, colorimetry and spectroscopy,
colligative properties, titration, calorimetry, spectrophotometric determination of
reaction kinetics, atomic absorption, and computerized data collection and analysis.
This course is designed for entering students that have a strong high-school chemistry
background and good algebra skills. Upon successful completion of this course, credit
will be awarded for Chem 127 as well. Laboratory, one 3-hour session per week (42
lab hours). Corequisites: Chem 1311 Credit | Fall | Natural Science I with lab (NSL)

195. Studies in Chemistry — A course offered in response to student and instructor interest. Topics are not generally
covered in the regular course listings. Course may be taken multiple times if topics
are different. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor1-3 Credits | As Needed

221. Organic Chemistry I — The basic principles of organic chemistry are introduced through studies of the structures
and reactions of carbon compounds. The mechanistic treatment of aliphatic and aromatic
chemistry is stressed. Lecture, 3 hours per week; discussion session, 1 hour per week. Prerequisites: Chem 126 or Chem 131 with a grade of C- or better3 Credits | Fall

231. Organic Chemistry II — This is a continuation of Chem 221 with emphasis on complex molecules, including those
found in biological systems. Lecture, 3 hours per week; discussion session, 1 hour
per week. Prerequisites: Chem 221 with a grade of C- or better3 Credits | Spring

255. Organic Chemistry Laboratory I — This laboratory course stresses modern techniques for analyses of organic compounds
and studies of the mechanisms of organic reactions. Infrared spectral analyses and
chromatographic separations are introduced. Laboratory, one 5-hour session per week;
discussion session, 1 hour per week (84 lab hours). Students may take Chem 221 either
prior to enrollment in or concurrently with the course. Prerequisites: Chem 126 or Chem 131 with a grade of C- or better, Chem 221 Corequisites: Chem 2212 Credits | Fall

256. Organic Chemistry Laboratory II — Chem 256A, Organic Chemistry Laboratory II:This is a continuation of Chem 255 with emphasis on organic structure determination
and organic synthesis. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
are introduced. Laboratory, one 5-hour session per week; discussion session, 1 hour
per week. The 7 weeks of this laboratory (42 lab hours) comprise the 1 credit that
is required for a chemistry major. Offered first half of the semester. Students may
take Chem 231 either prior to enrollment in or concurrently with the class.

Chem 256B, Organic Chemistry Laboratory Independent Project:This 7-week (42 lab hours) section is an optional continuation of Chem 256A to be
taken in the same semester. In Chem 256B, students will search the chemical literature,
write a proposal, and execute an independent synthetic project. Students will grow
in independence and autonomy and gain appreciation for authentic research while developing
new skills such as reaction design, spectroscopic analysis, and the purification and
characterization of mixtures. Offered last half of the semester. Students may take
Chem 231 either prior to enrollment in or concurrently with the class. Prerequisites: Chem 221 and Chem 255, Chem 231 Corequisites: Chem 2311 Credit | Spring

295. Studies in Chemistry — A lecture and/or laboratory course in a chemical area of current interest. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor1-3 Credits | As Needed

311. Biochemistry I — The biochemistry of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes and coenzymes is discussed
with an emphasis on the structure/function properties of biomolecules. Biol 106 or
equivalent is highly recommended prior to this course. Lecture, 3 hours per week;
discussion session, 1 hour per week. Prerequisites: Chem 231 with a grade of C- or better3 Credits | Fall

324. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory — Laboratory experiments provide an introduction to modern laboratory techniques used
in inorganic chemistry. The work stresses synthetic techniques (including the handling
of air-sensitive materials in glove boxes and on vacuum lines), the preparation of
novel materials of an inorganic and bioinorganic nature, and the study of their chemical,
physical, structural, and kinetic properties by modern instrumental techniques. Laboratory,
one 3-hour session per week (42 lab hours). Students may take Chem 322 either prior
to enrollment or concurrently with the class. Prerequisites: Chem 256, Chem 322 Corequisites: Chem 3221 Credit | Spring

335. Neurochemistry and Disease — The biochemistry of the brain and how it influences nervous system function, specifically
of motor and cognitive processes, will be studied. The relationship between altered
neurochemical activity and disease states will be explored using a case study approach.
The laboratory component will introduce several neurochemistry techniques and a novel
neurochemistry research project. Lecture, 3 hours per week; laboratory, one 3-hour
session per week. Cross-listed with Biol 335 and Nsci 335. Prerequisites: Biol 105 and Biol 106, Biol 107 or equivalent, Biol 108 or equivalent, Or, Chem 311
or NSCI 2114 Credits | Spring, Even Years | Natural Science I with lab (NSL)

343. Physical Chemistry I — The basic principles of physical chemistry are introduced with applications in the
chemical and biological sciences. Underlying principles of thermodynamics, equilibrium,
and kinetics are developed and applied to solutions, enzymes, spectroscopy, and macromolecules
from macroscopic and statistical perspectives. Lecture, 3 hours per week; discussion
session, 1 hour per week. Students may take Phys 121 either prior to enrollment in
or concurrently with the class. Math 231 is highly recommended prior to this course. Prerequisites: Chem 126 or Chem 131, Math 132, Phys 121 Corequisites: Phys 1213 Credits | Fall

345. Physical Chemistry Laboratory I — Laboratory experiments provide an introduction to modern laboratory techniques used
in physical chemistry. The work stresses thermochemistry, kinetics, transport phenomena,
data and error analysis, vacuum techniques, the use of instrumentation, and technical
report writing in obtaining, analyzing and presenting accurate data from chemical
systems. Laboratory, one 3-hour session per week (42 lab hours). Students may take
Chem 343 either prior to enrollment in or concurrently with the class. Prerequisites: Chem 343 Corequisites: Chem 3431 Credit | Fall

347. Chemical Modeling Laboratory — Computer modeling exercises provide an introduction to mathematical models used in
physical chemistry. The work stresses the development and application of mathematical
models to understand and make predictions about the physical properties of chemical
systems. Computer laboratory, one 3-hour session per week (42 lab hours). Students
may take Chem 344 either prior to enrollment in or concurrently with the class. Prerequisites: Chem 344 Corequisites: Chem 3441 Credit | Spring, Odd Years

348. Advanced Spectroscopy Laboratory — Modern nuclear magnetic resonance and laser spectroscopy methods are studied. The
quantum mechanical and kinetic theory behind the operation of these instruments is
studied, and the acquisition of technical proficiency in their use is emphasized.
Laboratory, one 3-hour session per week (42 lab hours). Students may take Chem 344
either prior to enrollment in or concurrently with the class. Prerequisites: Chem 344 Corequisites: Chem 3441 Credit | Spring, Even Years

395. Special Topics in Chemistry — This course may be a lecture or laboratory on a topic in chemistry related to special
interests of the faculty or to significant current developments in the field. The
content of this course will build in a significant way on concepts introduced in the
core courses required for the B.S. degree. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor1-3 Credits | As Needed

421. Structure, Dynamics and Synthesis I — This course provides important coverage of chemical synthesis by building on prior
knowledge to critically explore more complex concepts. The course is designed for
students who intend to become professional chemists at the B.S. level or who plan
on attending graduate school for an advanced degree. Topics include organometallic
chemistry, advanced organic synthesis and mechanisms, and selected topics in advanced
inorganic chemistry. Lecture, 3 hours per week. Chem 343 is highly recommended prior
to this course. Prerequisites: Chem 2313 Credits | Spring, Even Years

422. Structure, Dynamics, and Synthesis II — This course provides important coverage of chemical theory and computation by building
on prior knowledge to critically explore more complex concepts. The course is designed
for students who intend to become professional chemists at the B.S. level or who plan
on attending graduate school for an advanced degree. Topics include molecular symmetry
and group theory, computational chemistry, and molecular orbital theory. Lecture,
3 hours per week. Chem 322 and Chem 344 are highly recommended prior to this course. Prerequisites: Chem 2313 Credits | Spring, Odd Years

490. Research in Chemistry — This course provides chemistry majors an opportunity to do research in a field in
which students and faculty have special interests. An appropriate report must be submitted
to the department chairperson in order for credit to be awarded. Students should contact
faculty or the department chairperson to arrange for research with a faculty member
(84 lab hours). Prerequisites: Permission of instructor0-3 Credits | Fall, Spring

499. Internship in Chemistry — This program provides chemistry training and skill development for the student. This
is usually done off-campus and the student must work under the supervision of a qualified
scientist. Written reports appropriate to the internship experience are required.
Consultation with chemistry faculty internship supervisor about the internship process
and completion of the “Permission to Register for An Academic Internship” form and/or
the “Academic Internship Registration” form (available at www.hope.edu/academic/intern/Contacts.htm)
are required. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor1-2 Credits | Fall, Spring